McCain’s fundraising totals trail those of both his potential opponents.

(CNN) - A senior McCain adviser tells CNN that the campaign’s March fundraising numbers will be “better than they usually are for us, but not competitive with Obama.”

McCain spent much of his time in March raising money. His schedule was largely dictated by fundraisers all over the country. With the exception of his week abroad, McCain on average held a fundraiser a day, and sometimes two.

Campaign spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker also tells CNN McCain raised more in March than February, but said they won’t release the figure until later this month.

Trying to look on the bright side, the senior McCain adviser said that although the campaign behind others in fundraising, starting late last month the Republican National Committee has been able to raise money through a victory fund, which can directly benefit the campaign. The RNC can raise up to $28,500 per person, as opposed to just $2300 per person for an individual campaign.

There have been several newspaper reports this week about McCain’s fundraising troubles, attributed to lack of enthusiasm from some of President Bush’s high roller donors, and overall fundraising fatigue.

CNN asked McCain on his bus Wednesday about those reports, and he said he was “puzzled” by them.

“Ever major fundraiser, and we could I guess provide you a list, that I know of that I have called and that Rudy [Giuliani] has called and that Mitt [Romney] has called has called to say fine, I am with you, “ said McCain.

“Our fundraising, our fundraisers have dramatically increased so I don’t know where all of that comes from to be honest with you,” he said

soundoff(53 Responses)

You don't need to compete with McCain. If Hillary losses the demoratic candidate, I am not voting for Obama. So, you have my vote along with other democratic Anti-Obama.

April 3, 2008 04:24 pm at 4:24 pm |

Ronald

I would trust what McCain says about his campaign's ability to raise cash. Now, Hillary on the other hand, is a liar and can't be trusted.

April 3, 2008 04:26 pm at 4:26 pm |

GO McCAIN

Unfortunately, he probably won't raise as much money as Obama because he is not black.

April 3, 2008 04:26 pm at 4:26 pm |

Paul

Where are all the Rebulican loud mouths. I guess they don't put their money where there mouths are. I sure do hear them on the attack of smearing and name calling. Just like the Reverend Wright non-story that media blew way out of proportion. They will smear and run. And these people call themselves Christians.

I can almost guarantee you, if I go into any Christian church and take the 5 or 6 worst things that came out of their preacher in the last 10 years many would make Trinity look minor. All you so called Christian hypocrites who are attacking Obama over this, go worry about your own faith because attacking like this is Anti-Christian.

April 3, 2008 04:27 pm at 4:27 pm |

Rom

Lobbyist money !!!
He can't raise the same amount of money as Obama and Hillary online, it's impossible !

April 3, 2008 04:31 pm at 4:31 pm |

Grif

$40 Million every week, can't by the Experience, you have already in History.... So it fades now and then... However, it's always on the Hard Drive...
You have the Right Programs, now you have to convince the Media...

Go John... Give it to them!!! Your surrounded with just has much, Digits.,.....

As Obama the Fidget.

April 3, 2008 04:31 pm at 4:31 pm |

BAKERSFIELD

DON'T WORRY MCCAIN I WILL GIVE TO YOU IF HILLARY DOESN'T WIN THE DEM NOMINATION.

April 3, 2008 04:31 pm at 4:31 pm |

Praetorian, Fort Myers

As the elections grow closer...contributions will change to McCains's campaign.

Once conservatives realize that Obama is the DEM candidate–they'll pay through their noses to keep us from de-evolving into a marxist-style socialist state.

April 3, 2008 04:32 pm at 4:32 pm |

therealist

John doesn't need to spend millions of dollars on TV ads promoting his wealth of experience as a junior senator..

April 3, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |

Ron, TX

NO ONE is competitive with Obama...

So lets pick Hillary!

April 3, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |

Mufaddal

We all respect McCain for his service to this country, but this is certainly not the time for him to run for a president. We have had 8 MISERABLE years with Bush, and our economy has reached its edge (recession), and if McCain is elected to the office whic i higly doubt, we are going to have another 4 MISERABLE years and we will probably end up in DEPRESSION....McCain has NOTHING TO OFFER....he stands no chance competing with OBAMA....unless he reads his speeches and debates from the tv.....
OBAMA '08!!!!

April 3, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |

Chuck, TN

Sounds like Big Mac has some money problems.

April 3, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |

Brian

gee wonder why he wants Obama to take federal funds.......... nah it cant be because it benefits himself.

April 3, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |

mp

Doesn't know much about much, does he?

April 3, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |

Frantz (Atlanta)

McCain is not worrying about fund raising. His trophy wife got plenty of money.

April 3, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |

hilda

Iam very sad with what is happening to this country.Only one candidate can make changes tin this country,that person is Barack Obama..He is honest, inteligent,can motivate people to be involve in these changes.He believes in communication with the international community and believes in the young people.Hilary will be more of the same.Yes we can.

April 3, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |

Brian

Get used to being "not competitive with Obama" on all accounts, Sen. McCain. You're a good man, but we don't need another four years of George W. Bush politics in this country.

OBAMA '08!!!

April 3, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |

Tyrone Brown, Seattle, WA

The real news is that most of the money Barack raised has been from first-time and small donors. Barack Obama is the "People's Candidate" and the success of / enthusiasm for his campaign reflects. I understand the lackluster support McCain and the need to depend on the coffers of the RNC and large donors...the American people are focused on the "brighter and future" possibilities of an Obama Presidency and not the "cynical and past-tense" one the Republican candidate so clearly represents.

April 3, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |

LSU Tigers for Obama

dems 08

April 3, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |

Stacy Clarks,

I though McCain was supposed to spend his time uniting the party?!?!?!

Even amidst all of Obama's worst month, he raised WAY more than McCain....why do people keep arguing that Obama is not electable?!?!

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN, AND THEY WANT OBAMA!!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!

April 3, 2008 05:08 pm at 5:08 pm |

Emma

Sad!

April 3, 2008 05:09 pm at 5:09 pm |

david goldman

MCBUSH CAN'T STOP CHEATING. NOW CAMPAIGNING ON

MILITARY BASIS, WHICH IS AGAINST REGS.

THE MILITARY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM THE BOOT.

HE GOES AROUND PRETENDING HE GOT ELECTED ALREADY.

DIDN'T HAPPEN & WON'T HAPPEN. SOMEONE GIVE HIM HIS PILL.

April 3, 2008 05:15 pm at 5:15 pm |

Anita

If the GOP doesn't get off their duffs, then McCain will sink on the money front. "Cindy's family money" is just that.

April 3, 2008 05:16 pm at 5:16 pm |

CHERYL

NO! OPRAH ISN'T GIVING McCAIN ANY MONEY!!!!!!!

OBAMA WILL LOSE!!!!!!!

April 3, 2008 05:24 pm at 5:24 pm |

CHERYL

DO NOT THINK McCAIN IS WORRIED HE KNOWS THAT OBAMA WILL NEVER MAKE IT IN THE GENERAL!!!!!!!